GENESIS GV70…
When you mention Genesis most will think of the English rock band headed by Phil Collins, a standout track being ‘I Can’t Dance’ – but for Korean’s, Genesis can dance, and just like the high-octane introduction to the old music video, the 10-year-old luxury vehicle maker brings something exciting to the table.
Owned by Hyundai Motor company, Genesis is to them, what Lexus is to Toyota. Established as an independent brand a decade ago, its first model was launched in 2017, the same year the brand entered the United States of America. It wasn't until 2021 that Genesis entered the European market. And just two years later the brand surpassed 1,000,000 units in cumulative sales.
I will be honest in saying that I knew nothing of the brand, other than they existed, mostly because you cannot buy a new Genesis in Northern Ireland. With two dealers in Scotland, and seven in England, a short flight across the pond is required if you are not inclined to online shopping.
On receiving a message from Kevin, at Daly’s Garage, Belfast with a photo of a stunning SUV a few weeks back, I knew right away that it was a Genesis. While at the family owned dealership at the end of last year at the preview of the Hyundai INSTER, I noticed one or two Genesis models in the forecourt that Hyundai had brought along as part of the tour. But at the time thought little of it as these models were not the reason I was at Daly's.
Since then, Daly's, who are an award-winning Hyundai franchise, have become an approved service centre for Genesis. This isn't just good news for those who have traversed the North Channel to purchase a new Genesis, but also for those in the market for a used model as Daly's now keep a small used stock of South Korean Luxury.
I guess that brings me to the GV70 Sport pictured and tested over the course of a weekend. Equipped with a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that's paired to an 8-speed automatic 'box which transfers 300bhp to the ground via all four wheels, this manufacturer means business.
Key features of the Sport model include leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, dual front LED Headlamps (low & high projection), rear side & backlite privacy glass, electrochromic outside rear view mirror, LFA(lane following assist), 14.5" navi screen + DAB radio + phone mirroring + Genesis connected service.
Also featured is rear BCA (blind-spot collision-avoidance assist), FCA-J (forward collision avoidance assist - junction turning), rear parking sensors, LKA (lane keeping assist), FCA (forward collision-avoidance assist) (car/pedestrian/bicycle), RVM (rear view camera) with dynamic guidelines on screen, smart key & button start.
Comfort is aided with rear air condition: auto temp. control (3rd zone), electric rear tailgate opening & height adjustable, 8" dashboard cluster TFT display, SCC (smart cruise control) with stop&start, electric lumbar support (driver), electric height adjuster (driver), heated seats (front), memory function for driver + electric adjustment for passenger & driver, electric height adjuster (passenger), and preview ECS (electronic control suspension).
The GV70's infotainment system is user friendly and sizeable, and the Lexicon upgraded audio sounds incredible. I am very much a fan of analogue push buttons when it comes to audio and heating controls, and despite the climate control panel of the Genesis being digital touchscreen, the haptic feedback makes it feels and reacts like traditional buttons, which gets a thumbs up from me.
The GV70 provides all the comfort and convenience you would expect from a luxury vehicle. It looks nothing short of stunning, many people who seen it believing it could have been an Aston Martin or a Bentley. I personally would have the Genesis on my driveway as opposed to an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes rival. Especially when you consider that Genesis offer a five-year warranty.
The manner in which power is put to the ground, as well as how much of it, can be adjusted thanks to different driving modes, as well as terrain modes selectable via a push button inside the cabin. With its size, comes weight, but this engine package means you don't feel it. It pulls like a train and stops incredibly well thanks to it's massive brakes. Being double glazed and very well sound deadened, I found myself having to slow down fairly often as I didn't realise the speed I was carrying.
Living semi-rural, I would often find that vehicles of this size struggle with undulating roads, but thankfully this is not the case for the GV70 as its suspension seems to be absolutely dialled and provides confidence if you're in a rush. So much so that I took the long way home on two occasions. Agility of the car pictured most certainly helped with it’s 21-inch wheel upgrade wrapped in Michelin rubber.
Priced on the forecourt south of £40k, this model, which has around 7k miles on the clock, also features an Innovation Pack and Comfort Seating Pack.